By Aaron Okotel
MBALE
The High Court in Mbale has today, Wednesday, 7th October, 2026 concluded the hearing of an election petition challenging the victory of Bungokho North Member of Parliament Shafiga Wanyenya, with the court now retreating to write its judgment.
The two-day hearing wrapped up following extensive cross-examination of witnesses from both sides on October 6 and 7, 2026.
The petition, registered as Election Petition No. 5, was filed by former legislator Johnfaith Magolo, who contested the 2026 parliamentary election as an independent candidate, challenging the victory of the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) Wanyenya, who was declared the winner.
Among the issues raised by the petitioner was alleged voting by deceased persons. Magolo also claimed that some votes were improperly included in the election results and had earlier sought a recount.
However, during the proceedings, the petitioner reportedly did not present supporting evidence such as voter registers or death certificates to substantiate the allegations of ghost voting.
Other witnesses testified about alleged violence and interference at polling stations. Some witnesses, who served as polling agents, claimed they were chased away before the closure of polling.
The witnesses included Wander Abass, 43, Waizo Moses, 52, Nagwere Abas, 48, Gidudu Akim, 68, Kimono Madina and Guranka Siraj Sowedi, 44.
The defence also challenged some of the evidence presented by the petitioner, with allegations that police reports relied upon in the case had been concocted or forged.
Counsel Eddy Nangulu, representing Wanyenya, said the defence had extensively challenged the evidence presented by the petitioner and maintained that his client won the election lawfully.
“The hearing of the evidence in the petition has been concluded today. Whatever evidence that was presented, we have challenged extensively and shown that she, Shafiga Wanyenya, rightfully and lawfully won the election,” Nangulu said.
Nangulu said the court would now retreat to prepare its judgment and later communicate the date on which the parties will return to receive the ruling.
Magolo is represented by lawyers Bosco Okiror and Alfred Madaba Latigo, while Nangulu Eddy represents Wanyenya. Anne Mary Tusingwire, the Mbale District Returning Officer, is also a respondent in the petition on behalf of t
he Electoral Commission.
